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In this episode of One Gang Worldwide, we sit down with Brett Tekavec, a man who has experienced the Harley-Davidson world from all angles, starting as a bike washer in Cleveland and eventually owning two successful dealerships in DC and Ohio. Brett shares his journey from early passions and diverse job roles to becoming a district manager for Harley-Davidson Motor Company and finally taking the bold step of dealership ownership. He discusses the challenges faced along the way, the importance of listening and creating memorable experiences for customers, and the impact of financial acumen in running a successful business. Brett also touches on industry insights, the need for new customer engagement strategies, and his interactions with Harley-Davidson's new CEO, which bring hope for a better future for the brand and its dealers.

00:00 Introduction to Brett

01:27 Icebreaker Questions

07:41 Brett's Early Years

12:15 First Job at Southeast Harley Davidson

16:07 Climbing the Ladder

17:30 Transition to Harley Davidson Motor Company

22:18 Becoming a Business Owner

26:54 A Funny High School Story

27:43 College and Career Journey

28:06 Financial Advice for Aspiring Dealership Owners

29:44 Queen City Harley-Davidson Era

31:04 Selling the Dream, Not Just the Machine

33:23 Challenges in the Motorcycle Dealership World

35:56 Harley-Davidson's Market Dynamics

42:50 New CEO and Future Prospects

54:31 Advice for Aspiring Business Owners

56:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Brett:

 Website: https://www.npda.org/board-of-directors-2025/brett-tekavec

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-tekavec-mba-59694018/

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